Caption: Solar cell factory production line, with a worker in the background. This production line is being used to assemble photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, the basic components of solar panels, contain silicon, a semiconductor material that can absorb energy from sunlight and convert it into an electrical current. Here, the photovoltaic cells are being handled on an automated stage of the production line. This manufacturing facility, operated by Photowatt Technologies, is located in France.